Casual French Conversation

Welcome to some casual French conversation. We’ve been having them for the past 10 years and enjoy sharing our knowledge.

French Conversation Gatherings Happen When?

We’re meeting for a casual French conversation on various topics every month. I usually set a point of interest for the only reason that without one many people do not dare speaking.

I actually run three different meetups organized around the level of speaking skills of the participants.

For those who already have a good grasp of French or are semi-fluent, choose this group: French Conversation Conejo Valley

For those who have the basics and want to improve speaking skills and vocabulary, I suggest our book reading hour. We read several chapters aloud together, I correct pronunciation and explain new vocabulary as needed. Each participant read individually in turn: French Conversation Online.

Finally we have the beginner group where we do various things. We may watch a video, read a poem or a small book, explain some grammar rules or French expressions to look like a French speaker, drill the pronunciation etc.Simi Valley French Language Meetup Group

How Do we Go About it?

Since the main purpose of our meeting is for you to practice your French speaking skills, you’ve got to say something! Listening is not enough. Sharing is important. Knowing in advance what you will be talking about brings up your confidence so you can get the most of out it.

I specifically require that each participant prepares a little presentation to the group of his take on the subject. From there, French conversation can occur. It also ensures that everyone gets the opportunity to communicate in French. Otherwise, you have those who overpower those who are shy and half of the assembly does not say a word. This doesn’t happen in our group. Each person has his/her time to practice and express themselves. Well, of course, the homework is not mandatory but If you’re not fluent, I highly recommend it to not be put on the spot! Yes, I do go around the table and make sure everyone has a chance to put their thoughts out loud.

We Are Celebrating Our 10th Anniversary (updated in 2023)

This coming August, we’ll be factually celebrating our 10^th anniversary. During that time, we’ve touched just about everything and anything: any particulars on a date on the calendar such as 4^th and 14^th July, scuba diving, astronomy, health, recycling, entertainment, travel, books, films, Noble prizes, French expressions, bridges in the world, favorite songs, geography, customs, history, science, etc. etc. We’ve played games, had strolls, shared a French pastry, been to the movies. In short, we never out of imagination to stimulate our brains with the French language.

The best is all what we learn from one another as our participants are very creative and always bring up new interesting tidbits about so many different aspects of life and livingness.

Is This French Conversation Group for You?

So now you’re wondering if this French conversation group really fits your hopes.

As long as you love the French language, the French culture, its exquisite cuisine, its diverse coastline and peaceful countryside, the “je ne sais quoi” in Paris that turns your heart upside down, the love for freedom, you’re a good candidate for our group.

Whether you’re a beginner or fluent, you can find your place and what you’re looking for, improving your French, brushing it up, taking the rust off, finding friendships with similar likes, simply relax and have a good time enjoying one hour of French conversation.

Learning and practicing a second language is not only vital to keep your brain healthy longer as shown in studies and in particular one executed by the University of Edinburgh, but also helps your kids get better academic grades on their SAT and ACT tests as shown in publications such as the Modern Language Journal and ADFL (Association of Departments of Foreign Languages) Bulletin.

Frankly it is also simply fun and relaxing. You discover new habits and customs. Your mind’s view of the world enlarges and takes on a whole new level of perceptions.

To experience all the fun and the exhilaration of sharing a new language, I invite you to our next meeting if you can make it. This group is for those
who are fluent or close to, or those who can read it and write it but cannot
speak. You’ve got to get your feet wet. Prepare what you’re going to say and go from there. Click here to RSVP.

For any question make a free 30-minute appointment

July 13, 2019April 21, 2023

The Leonardo Da Vinci Exhibition in Simi Valley

The Reagan Library invites you to a fabulous Leonardo Da Vinci exhibition in Simi Valley. Not only will you find copies of pages of the famous Codex Atlanticus written in mirror image, i.e. written with the left hand from left to right, but also live representations of his many sketches and drawings throughout it. For example, you’ll admire his Musical Cannon and Great Organ.

Musical Cannon designed by Leonardo Da Vinci

Here’s a quick overview of his life

Leonardo Da Vinci was born in the small town of Vinci in Tuscany, close to Florence, Italy, on 14 April 1452. He died at Clos Lucé, Amboise, France, on 2 May 1519 at the age of 67.

First Years in Florence

At age 14, Leonardo Da Vinci apprenticed in Verrocchio’s workshop in Florence. Andrea del Verrocchio was a painter, sculptor and goldsmith. He was the master of a workshop where he trained many painters.

There, Leonardo, exposed not only to the humanities but also to a vast range of technical skills such as drafting, drawing, painting, sculpting, modeling, chemistry, metallurgy, mechanics, carpentry. At 20, he became a master in the Guild of St Luke, the guild of artists and doctors of medicine.

Painter, Architect, Engineer

Up until 1481 he was commissioned for several paintings in Florence. Then, in 1482 he moved to Milan where he was at the service of Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan. He was employed as a military architect and engineer, devising methods to improve the city waterways.

At the same time, he painted The Last S upper in the monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie. He completed it in 1498.

In 1499, after the French invaded Italy, Ludovico Sforza was overthrown. Subsequently, Leonardo returned to Florence. Between 1500 and 1502 he painted The Virgin and Child with St. Anne and St. John the Baptis t.

In 1502 he started working for Cesare Borgia as a military architect and engineer. He was traveling with him throughout Italy. You will observe, as you move along the exhibition, his numerous works relating to battleships and artillery as well as city planning.

At the end of 1503, he went back to Florence where he spent two years painting a great mural of The Battle of Anghiari for the Signoria (the Florence government at the time).

The Vatican Palace

From 1513 to 1516, he worked at the Belvedere in the Vatican palace along with Raphael and Michelangelo. In 1515, Francis I of France won the Battle of Marignano. Then, on 19^th December, Leonardo assisted at the meeting between Francis I and Pope Leo X in Bologna. Subsequently, he was commissioned to build a mechanical lion for Francis I. The lion walks and hands lilies. A live representation of it stands at the beginning of the tour.

End of Life

For the last three years of his life, he worked for Francis I, and lived at Clos Lucé near the king’s residence at the Chateau Royal d’Amboise.

The king became a close friend. He was the one who eventually acquired the Mona Lisa painting which is now on display at The Louvres museum in Paris.

Throughout his life, Leonardo da Vinci has had a drive and concern of producing useful work for the community. This intention reflects in the details and precision of each of his endeavors. His notes were meticulous and precise. One example is what he did with the Vitruvian man as well as his study of the human body anatomy.

The 500^th anniversary of his death has generated numerous expos throughout Europe and the USA. The Simi Valley Leonardo Da Vinci Exhibition is a must see for all. If you happen to live in the area, don’t miss the incredible opportunity to meet one of the genius of all times. It ends September 8, 2019.

July 29, 2017April 21, 2023

Celebrating French Culture in Santa Barbara

French In Our Daily Lives

The French language is so deeply intertwined into the English we speak that we hardly realize it’s there.

You and your fiancé send out wedding invitations asking the recipients to R.S.V.P. We go to a restaurant and order an hors d’oeuvre and a salad without thinking twice about the origin of the words.

French culture, too, has woven its way into our daily life. We see its influence in our food, fashion, art, music, and dance. Now in its 29^th year, Santa Barbara’s annual French Festival celebrates this beautiful and multi-faceted culture in a tree-filled park. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the French countryside.

Bringing French Culture to Life

The two-day event coincides with Bastille Day. It offers visitors a small taste of the arts and cuisine of France. Proceeds support theater and literacy programs in Santa Barbara.

Stepping through the gates, you stroll past the booths where local artisans display their wares. You climb the stairs to the Moulin Rouge Stage. There, you’ll see dancers demonstrating everything from the elegant minuet seen in the salons of the 1800’s to the enthusiastic and sometimes bawdy can-can. Be prepared to join in when James and Cynthia from the Historical Ballroom Dance Club at UCLA teach the one-step, a simple dance which lets you express the best of yourself.

Traveling to France Without the Plane Fare

Wandering past replicas of the Mona Lisa (where you can take a selfie with your face in the painting) and a miniature Eiffel tower, you reach a tree-shaded expanse. Amidst booths offering food, drink, and factoids about the Festival, Chef Josette’s Café Normandie takes pride of place. She offers an amazing assortment of salads, sandwiches, quiches, breads, and pastries. Grab a snack or an entire meal to enjoy while experiencing a melange of musical entertainment at the Eiffel Tower Stage.

Travel back in time to the French Renaissance. Then meander back to the 21^st century by way of a 1930’s cabaret and the Hot Club of France. Artists perform tributes to Classic French music and artists but share some of their original work, and a bit of Cajun and Quebecois.

Medieval Knights Fight for Glory

A safe distance from the idyllic picnic atmosphere, gallant knights don armor to defend their castle’s honor. Armed with mace, axe, and sword, they beat each other into submission for the honor of being named the victor. But with that honor comes another battle. Others are anxious to unseat the current champion. The battles rage throughout the afternoon with the banner changing hands often. The competition is reminiscent of battles enacted today where honor is defended on the fields of football and soccer.

Expanding Your French Language Repertoire

Would you like help learning French? Contact me here or text me at 323-203-2616 for more information.

Feature photo used by permission. Courtesy of Heather Hewes

April 21, 2017May 5, 2023

French Conversation Conejo Valley

French Conversation Conejo Valley is a group of Francophiles of the area who meet regularly. Check for our next meeting in the Conejo Valley by clicking here for a fun evening of French conversation.

All those desiring to practice their French are welcome.

Just over 50 years ago all you would have found in the hills throughout would have been oak trees and cows. (No French conversation going on at that time throughout the prairies. :))

When it all came together

In fact, the oak trees are so numerous in the Conejo Valley that they gave their name to the first incorporated city: Thousand Oaks in 1964. The city proudly shows a large oak tree on its buses and lamp posts.

Then cam along the rest of the cities: Newbury Park was incorporated in 1977, Westlake Village in 1981, Oak Park is a community, Agoura Hills was incorporated in 1982.

Where French Conversation in the Conejo Valley May Happen

Many schools in the area teach French as part of their curriculum: Thousand Oaks High School, Newbury Park High School, Westlake Village High School, La Reina High School, Viewpoint School in Calabasas, the California Lutheran University and more.

What encompasses the Conejo Valley?

Below a map showing the area covered by the Conejo Valley. This is where you’ll meet rabbits galore (let’s not forget that Conejo means rabbit in Spanish).

Over the hills, northeast, you’ll find Simi Valley which was incorporated in 1969.

How long have cows live in the area?

To be honest, I don’t know and I don’t really care, but one thing that I do know, even though these cities seem young, caves in their hills show that Indian Chumash were living around and about as far back as 12,000 years ago! So much for the “New World” discovered by Columbus in 1493.

So what is new? People? No, but maybe the French language since the native language is Chumash, then Spanish came along with people from Spain and Mexico moving up the Californian coast. The good reason why Spanish is definitely prominent in the area. Per WorldPolulationReview.com 2014 figures, California had and I quote: “In 2014, estimates showed that the Latino and Hispanic population surpassed the population of non-Hispanic Whites. According to those estimates, taken in June 2014, 14.99 million Latinos resided in the state, compared to 14.92 whites. California has the largest minority population and the largest Hispanic population in the country.”

So why would French have a place in the State of California?

Well, did you know that California has around 200,000 French speaking inhabitants?

The last remaining area that I visit on a regular basis as a French Tutor, is the Moorpark area and Santa Rosa Valley. The Moorpark College does teach French and the Santa Rosa Valley is peacefully tucked away between Las Posas Hills and the Mountclef Ridge.

I’m hoping to see you for one hour of French conversation at our monthly meetings or to help you perfect your French!

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